Eating On a Budget in College

College is the first time for many students that they are responsible for how they spend their money. There are hidden costs everywhere: textbooks, clothes, gas, drinks, etc. However, there is one thing that shouldn't be sacrificed: food. I observe countless peers starving themselves, skipping meals, or eating junk food just because their budget doesn't allow them to eat better. This used to be me until I discovered that there are other options.

• If you are a freshman, you most likely have a meal-plan. Take full advantage of it! Try not to skip meals just because you are too lazy to leave your dorm room. Also, if you have a certain number of "dining dollars" or meal points per day, make sure none of them go to waste. Learn how your meal plan works, and make it work for you.
• If you are a girl, start dating more. Before you get any ideas, think about it. When you go out on dates with guys, it is traditional that they buy you a meal. So, put yourself out there, be more social, and accept dates no matter what! Chances are you'll have a really good meal, not have to pay, and maybe even have a good time!
• If you are a guy, you need to be creative. Luckily, I fall under this category and am willing to share my secrets. 
• First of all, identify what you are spending money on, and see where you can make adjustments. As I've explained before, you can probably save a great deal of money on textbooks. Suddenly, you have an extra lump of cash (often times from your parents) that can go directly towards nourishment.
• Pre-game for bars. Buying drinks at bars can quickly drain your wallet. By drinking before you hit the town, you'll save money by diminishing the quantity of drinks you will need to purchase in these money-swallowing establishments.
• Meet freshmen. Being in a fraternity, I am in close contact with new freshmen every semester throughout rush and pledging. Frequently, these freshmen have large meal plans and are more than happy to take you along to the dining commons for free. Do your best to befriend freshmen, and reap the culinary benefits.
• Meet girls. Getting free meals from girls seems counter-intuitive at first, especially given the aforementioned advice I provided for females to score free food. While this method is the most challenging, it is also the most fun and can be very rewarding. 
• To start, do you have any female friends that enjoy cooking? Some girls love to cook and would be thrilled to cook for you as well. Casually slip in a, "You should cook for me sometime!" into conversation, and you'll have an invitation before you know it. 
• Next, think of some girls that you haven't seen in a while (preferably ones that like you). Give them a call or a text exclaiming about how long its been since you've hung out, and that you should get together soon for dinner. She will almost always agree (most girls are too nice to say no), and this is your chance to capitalize. Think of an excuse for the reunion to be at her place. For example, "I haven't seen your new apartment yet, lets have dinner there this week!" or "I really want to get away from my roommates, can I come over for dinner soon?" If you sound excited and genuine, it will probably work. And if dinner is at her place, it's probably free.
• Finally, make friends with girls who live in their sorority house. Most of them have house chefs who make buffet style meals. I would advise trying to go over for lunch one day, as there will be far fewer girls there than for dinner, and thus less stress on the chef. If you make it in once, congratulations, but your work isn't done. Make sure you personally introduce yourself to the chef, shake his hand, and thank him for letting you come over. This way, the next time you want to go eat at the sorority, she will go check with the chef and he will be more inclined to say yes. 

Eating on a budget in college doesn't have to be painful. It can actually be fun, and increase your networking and social skills at the same time. Be sure to share any of your methods in the comments!